Abstract
The lived experience of both interferon-based and new interferon-free treatments in patients with hepatitis C virus remains understudied. To explore their journey through hepatitis C virus treatment, we interviewed seven post-transplant patients with recurrent hepatitis C virus. Three themes were identified using interpretative phenomenological analysis. Participants reported an ongoing sense of ontological uncertainty characterized by lack of control over their condition and treatment. Furthermore, an apposition of scepticism and hope accompanying each stage of hepatitis C virus treatment was described. A staged approach to psychological intervention tailored to the needs of the patient and their associated ‘stage’ of hepatitis C virus treatment was recommended.
Original language | English |
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Number of pages | 9 |
Journal | Health Psychology Open |
Volume | 5 |
Issue number | 2 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Jul 2018 |
Keywords
- direct-acting antivirals
- hepatitis C virus
- interpretative phenomenological analysis
- liver transplant
- virus recurrence